Issue highlights:
Read below for more news and events.
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The state released a draft of its Fire Hazard Severity Zone Map for California’s rural, unincorporated areas. Stakeholders were given just a few weeks to respond. The League of California Cities and others are urging Cal FIRE to extend the public comment period an additional 60 days. Read more
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Voters often cite road conditions as one of their top concerns — and for good reason. California's roads rank among the worst in the nation. Grover Beach’s $13 million capital improvement program shows how smaller cities can reverse this trend, without long-term funding from state and federal partners. Read more
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The White House issued a major disaster declaration over the holiday weekend, unlocking new federal funding and assistance programs for California cities and residents. The declaration is one of the many new resources announced for impacted residents and businesses throughout the state. Read more
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In a major win for cities, federal lawmakers added new flexibility to how cities can spend American Rescue Plan Act dollars and gave the U.S. Department of the Treasury the authority needed to restore critical technical assistance programs. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency extended deadlines for its recycling and solid waste grant applications and new recovery resources are available from the National League of Cities and the Local Infrastructure Hub. Read more
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Cal Cities is seeking proposals for its second-ever City Leaders Summit. Taking place April 12-14 in Sacramento, this unique advocacy and learning event allows city officials to influence state policy decisions and gain top-notch leadership skills. Cal Cities is looking for thorough, thoughtful, and complete proposals that tell how your session can help elected city officials improve their communities, leadership abilities, and policy knowledge. Read more
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Tuesday, Jan. 24, 10:00 a.m. — Cal Cities President and Artesia Council Member Ali Sajjad Taj’s path to public service began nearly 25 years ago when he immigrated to Artesia, California. His personal story and inspiring path to leadership define his strong belief in the power of collective action and the importance of improving the lives of all California residents. Join President Taj as he shares his personal story, insights on leadership, and the “why” that keeps him going. Register today
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March 29-31 — Planning commissioners must navigate some of the state’s most ambitious — and controversial — housing and environmental laws while also balancing the needs of their community. Navigating these obligations can be challenging, even for the most seasoned planning commissioner. Taking place March 29-31 in Garden Grove, the Planning Commissioners Academy provides city officials with information needed to meet these challenges. Register today
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March 29-31 — Solutions to California’s biggest infrastructure challenges are often developed at the local level by public works officers. The League of California Cities helps them meet these challenge head-on by providing training and information through events like the Public Works Officers Institute. This year’s Institute will cover a range of topics, including sustainable water supplies, recycling changes, extreme hazards, and major grant opportunities. Register today
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Has your community launched a forward-thinking project or program that preserves and improves existing local transportation systems? Nominate it for the 2022 Outstanding Local Streets and Roads Project Awards Program. The winning projects will be featured during the Cal Cities Public Works Officers Institute/CEAC Spring Conference in March and featured in Western City magazine. Nominations are due by 5:00 p.m. on Feb. 3. Read more
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Feb. 17 and Feb. 24 — The Institute for Local Government is hosting free, in-person trainings to help planning commissioners better succeed in their role. Participants will learn best practices, emerging trends, and important lessons from experts in the field. Space is limited and registration is required. The Feb. 17 session is for cities in San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, and Ventura counties; Feb. 24 is for cities in Shasta, Trinity, Siskiyou, Lassen, Plumas, and Modoc counties. Register today
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July 23-28 — Stanford University's Local Governance Summer Institute is returning to its traditional, on-campus residential format. The Institute offers senior managers the opportunity to exchange and acquire tools that improve local government performance while enhancing their personal capacity to innovate and anticipate societal change. Participants will be paired with an experienced mentor who has years of success managing at the city or county level. Register today
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Help the Institute for Local Government (ILG) refine its programs, trainings, and resources by filling out a short survey. ILG is looking for information about the resources your agency needs, as well as the biggest issues facing your agency in the coming year. Everyone who completes a survey will be entered to win a free registration to an upcoming ILG training. Take the survey!
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Labor shortages and high staff turnover have created challenges for both employers and employees. Taking cues from other sectors, city governments have found creative and proactive ways to address workforce gaps and create sustainable organizations. Read more
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The League of California Cities last month wrote a letter to the governor asking for “a permanent funding stream of $3 billion annually to help cities keep Californians in their homes and prevent more Californians from having to live on the street, under bridges, or in their cars.” Of course, housing advocates and local governments want more funding — and consistent funding. ... officials worry the funding might be reduced or disappear the following year and they’ll be unable to pay for their expanded housing and services. Read more
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The budget suggests that cities failing to meet their state quotas for zoning land for new housing might lose state financing for homelessness programs. ... That threat doesn’t sit well with local government officials. The League of California Cities issued a sharp reaction, saying, “one-time investments will not solve the crisis” and adding, “We need ongoing state funding and a coordinated approach with clearly defined roles and responsibilities for all levels of government that supports long-term solutions.” Read more
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As a businessman, Newsom must know that capital projects such as shelters and housing tend to rely on ongoing funding. And housing and shelter — not mere “cleaning up” of people who have none — is the solution. “One-time investments will not solve this crisis,” said Carolyn Coleman, executive director of [Cal Cities]. “We need ongoing state funding and a coordinated approach with clearly defined roles and responsibilities for all levels of government.” Read more
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Jan. 18-20 or Feb. 1-3 (Sold out!)
Jan. 24
Feb. 8-10 (Sold out!)
Mar. 8-10
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Mar. 29-31
Apr. 12-14 (Save the date!)
May 17-19 (Save the date!)
Sept. 20-22 (Save the date!)
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